Outback Driving

Outback driving has its hazards and inconveniences but these also help to make this area different and exciting. Most of the main highways are now sealed, but it will be necessary to travel on some unsealed roads to reach some of the more interesting attractions.

The NT Road Safety Council makes the following recommendations for improving safety when travelling the unsealed and 4WD roads in the Northern Territory:

• Stopping distances increase when driving on unsealed roads. Reducing speed will ensure more effective stopping in an emergency.
  
  
• To ensure greater control of your vehicle while on unsealed roads, engage HI 4X4.
  
  
• Fatigue is one of the greatest influences on accidents in the NT. Take more time to enjoy your visit to the Territory, and make the most of the many great locations for overnight stops to ensure you drive while fresh and alert.
  
  
• Beware of oncoming traffic when thick dust is airborne, or when driving when the sun is low on the horizon.
  
  
• Beware of wandering wildlife and stock, especially at dawn and dusk when animals travel at the cooler part of the day and are more difficult to see among roadside foliage.
  
  
• Be cautious when driving in windy conditions, due to instability caused by the high level of gravity in 4X4 vehicles, especially those with high ground clearance.
  
  
• It is a legal requirement in the NT for all passengers and drivers to wear seatbelts. Seatbelts do save lives.

Whether in a conventional vehicle or a 4WD, you will often be sharing the road with large vehicles that may also be having difficulty with the conditions:

• When meeting semi-trailers or other heavy vehicles on unsealed or narrow roads, slow down and move to the left of the road. On narrow sealed roads, particularly when they are wet, the verges tend to be soft and/or slippery, so when pulling off to the left you should always keep your right wheels on the bitumen and keep moving slowly to prevent getting bogged.
  
  
• If you meet a wide load with an escort vehicle, watch for signals. If you move off the road, reduce speed and watch for guide posts and soft edges.

When travelling on unfenced roads and across pastoral properties:

• If you see stock or wild animals near the road, slow down - they have a habit of crossing in front of you.
  
  
• Many roads cross station properties and have gates on them. The rule of the Outback is to leave the gates in the same way that you find them, i.e. if the gate is closed when you get there, close it again after you drive through. If the gate is open when you arrive, leave it open.
  
  
• Cattle grids are a potential hazard. Approach with caution.

A hazardous natural condition can be just around the corner. You might be the first person to come across it so do not depend on the presence of warning signs:

• Be alert for bulldust and soft sand. Negotiate at a slow but consistent speed after studying the hazard. Reduce tyre pressure for deep sand.
  
  
• Do not enter dips at high speed. Brake on entry and accelerate again as you exit to give maximum clearance and to prevent springs from bottoming out. They may also contain water.
  
  
• Check tracks across creeks for clear passage and water depth.
  
  
• Do not camp in dry creek beds in case of flash flooding.

Be prepared, particularly when travelling in remote areas:

• Always carry spare radiator hoses, tyres, fanbelt, (a pair of old pantyhose make a good substitute to get to the next town), a first-aid kit, water and sufficient fuel in the tank to get to the next service station. When travelling on the major road system of the region it should not be necessary to carry extra fuel in jerrycans (in fact, this should be avoided in saloon cars or other enclosed vehicles) as the distance between fuelling points is rarely more than 200 km. If you do have to carry extra fuel (i.e when travelling into remote areas), try to gauge your requirements beforehand. Fuel and water are heavy and overladen vehicles invariably get into trouble.
  
  
• Remember fuel and supply outlets in remote areas are not often open after hours or at weekends. Telephone ahead to check.
  
  
• Before proceeding into remote areas advise the police or some other responsible person of your intended itinerary and report back on your arrival.
  
  
• Stay on the plotted route. Do not deviate for off-road exploration.
  
  
• If you break down in a remote area, stay close to your vehicle. If lost or stranded, stay with your vehicle and conserve water.
  
  
• Always check road and weather conditions before travelling into remote areas.
  
  
• Plan ahead and ensure your vehicle is fully serviced and equipped and have it regularly serviced on long trips; obtain relevant maps; book your accommodation or campsites in advance, where applicable.

Summers in the Outback are very hot but with an airconditioned vehicle, travelling can still be pleasant. All motels and many pubs have airconditioned accommodation these days. However, storms and heavy rain can occur during this season and minor flooding can cause some towns to be cut off for a few days, but this is all part of the adventure of the Outback. The most temperate weather occurs between the beginning of April and the end of October.

Please Don't Rubbish the Outback

Litter is the eyesore of many parts of Australia - help us keep the Outback clean for future visitors by properly disposing of your rubbish.

Burke and Wills, Leichhardt, Landsborough and other early explorers of this region carved their initials on trees to show where they had been. If you want to record your visit to the Outback, please use your camera and not a knife.

If you want to light a fire to boil the billy, ensure that the area around your fireplace is clear of dry grass, leaves or other flammable material. Before leaving, ensure that the fire is properly doused - covering it with sand or soil will stop embers from being blown into the bush.